Celebrate Christmas with your dear ones in a charming medieval town known as Kuldiga. It’s picture perfect, which is probably why more than 30 movies have been filmed there. Pristine nature—including the widest waterfall in Europe—makes Kuldiga an outstanding Latvian location. Baltics and Beyond tourists traversed the waterfall in June (for the record: no one jumped into the invigorating Aleksupīte river), meandered the cobblestone streets of the atmospheric old town, and savored a sumptuous picnic in the park. And no visit to Kuldiga is complete without an exploration of its massive castle mound where Scandinavian Vikings once roamed. Kuldiga offers a plethora of cultural activities during the holidays, although you may be tempted to simply savor the iconic cream cake while you soak up the atmosphere in one of its delicious confectionaries! Small pubs also abound if you prefer your Christmas spirit in liquid form. 

Baltic Metropoles – We’ll begin in Vilnius, Lithuania, which hosts more than 1,200 medieval buildings and 48 churches. As we travel to Riga, Latvia, you’ll enjoy stops at the magnificent Hill of Crosses and the Rundale Palace, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. Consider an optional excursion to see the stunning scenery of the Gauja National Park and the town of Sigulda, as well as an optional tour of the Ethnographical Open Air Museum, a spacious exposition of 18th century country life.  

Day five of this delightful tour shines its spotlight squarely on Riga, the largest of the three Baltic capitals. Prepare to be blown away by the stunning kaleidoscope of architectural styles, including the largest collection of breathtaking Art Nouveau buildings in all of Europe. A lovely walking tour of the Old Town includes Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral. St. Peter’s Church, the Swedish Gate, the Three Brothers and the Freedom Museum. (If you have a sweet tooth, wander down the street for a visit to the delightful Laima candy store, which provides great gifts for the unlucky folks you left behind at home!). There’s also an optional excursion to Jurmala, the vibrant sea resort known for its wooden architecture and sandy beaches. 

Then it’s off to Tallinn, Estonia. Enjoy the ride through gorgeous Estonian forestland along the way before settling into Tallinn’s charming Old Town with its many shops, galleries, souvenir markets (all home made and high quality artisan crafts), outdoor cafes and top-notch restaurants. After seeing all the sights, consider an optional excursion to Kadriorg Park and a visit to KUMU, the award-winning Estonian art museum with its collection of classical and contemporary fine art.

This tour ends with a visit (thanks to a convenient ferry ride across the Baltic sea) to Helsinki, Finland, located at the crossroads of Western and Eastern culture. This event-packed, eye-popping tour can be booked today for a mere 1003 euros (not counting airfare and excursions). 

Don’t delay. . . February 15 will be here soon!
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What inspires someone well along a successful career path to launch a travel business focusing on three small spectacular northern European countries? In my case, the answer is clear: “Unbridled Passion!”

Since visiting the Baltics for the first time a few years ago, I have become a Baltics junkie – eagerly awaiting my next fix! Visiting these countries is transformative and every visit reveals more of the mystery that makes the Baltics so interesting and uniquely appealing.

My personal family connection is a factor too. My father was born in Latvia but was forced to leave in the early 1940s (he was just five at the time) as communist Russia closed in during WW2.  As a first-generation American and daughter of an exiled Latvian, I’ve always been curious about this little Northern European country (and its neighbors), which seemed as mysterious and far away as the moon. 

Once Latvia, and its Baltic siblings Lithuania and Estonia, won their independence in the early 1990s everything changed. The dream of visiting these far away lands was no longer simply a little girl’s fantasy!

Each country has its own language, culture, history and architectural style. They are like distinctive, shimmering jewels bound together on a fine silk thread adorning a lovely woman’s neck. The metaphorical “silk” being the gentle Baltic Sea of course.

Since founding Baltics and Beyond Travel Services I have formed partnerships with local people and respected travel professionals to provide exceptional tours to the Baltic region. My commitment: providing interesting, safe, fun and affordable tours. I’m also dedicated to ensuring that travelers enjoy fascinating visits while giving them a chance to connect with local people in authentic ways. (Watch our site for more details on these exceptional excursion opportunities!)

I hope you check back often as I share details that explain why spending time in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia is so inviting and worthwhile. Better yet, I invite you to join us for a tour to experience the Baltic wonders for yourself!